Royal Museums Greenwich is delighted to announce that the Cutty Sark will reopen today.
Launched in 1869 from Dumbarton, Scotland, Cutty Sark is the last-surviving tea clipper in the world, once carrying cargo ranging from the finest teas to gunpowder, and from whisky to buffalo horns. Cutty Sark made her name as the fastest ship of her era during her time in the wool trade, reaching the record-breaking speed of 17 ½ knots (20 mph/32kmph) between London and Sydney.
Some restrictions will initially be in place to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff to Cutty Sark. Tickets must be purchased in advance to ensure social distancing can be maintained on board. Pre-booked time slots will ensure that visits are spread throughout the day and sites don’t exceed their capacity. A one-way system will be in place to ensure the story of the ship and her crew can be told in a safe way.
Protective screens will be installed at both the ticketing and retail till points. Sanitiser stations will also be available throughout Cutty Sark, and in an effort to ensure safety guidelines are met, some interactives will not be accessible.
The cafe will not be open just yet, but toilet facilities will be available to visitors, with enhanced cleaning regimes in place.
Paddy Rodgers, Director, Royal Museums Greenwich, said ‘Royal Museums Greenwich are committed to ensuring the health and safety of all visitors and staff. We are delighted to be able to welcome visitors back to Cutty Sark from 20 July and look forward to our sites gradually reopening over the summer.’
Royal Museums Greenwich aims to reopen its other sites (National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House and the Royal Observatory Greenwich) in a phased approach over the summer. The Museum will continue to monitor the situation closely and base its approach on advice received from the Government and Public Health England.
INFORMATION FOR VISITORS
Venue: Cutty Sark, Greenwich | https://www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark Visitor enquiries: Please book online or email bookings@rmg.co.uk https://www.rmg.co.uk/plan-your-visit/safety-information
Twitter: @RMGreenwich
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